Steve Wozniak Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / October 10, 2024
Steve Wozniak Then
Steve Wozniak, born on August 11, 1950, in San Jose, California, is a prominent figure in the world of technology and innovation, known for co-founding Apple Computer alongside Steve Jobs.
Wozniak grew up in a household influenced by engineering, thanks to his father, Francis Jacob “Jerry” Wozniak, an engineer for the Lockheed Corporation.
His mother, Margaret Louise Wozniak, introduced him and his siblings to the importance of activism, which left a lasting impact on Wozniak’s values and interests.
He graduated from Homestead High School in Cupertino, California, in 1968, where his affinity for technology began to flourish.
Despite his birth certificate listing his name as “Stephan Gary Wozniak,” he uses the spelling “Stephen,” reflecting his mother’s original intention.
Wozniak’s Polish heritage is notable, and his surname has become synonymous with groundbreaking technological advancements.
In the early 1970s, he gained notoriety in the phreaking community for his design of a blue box, which allowed users to make free long-distance phone calls, earning him the nickname “Berkeley Blue.”
This rebellious spirit and innovative mindset laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in technology.
Wozniak’s inspirations are as varied as his achievements. His fascination with engineering was ignited by his childhood reading of the Tom Swift Jr. books, which featured young inventors embarking on exciting adventures.
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Additionally, his love for Star Trek and attendance at related conventions inspired him to explore the vast possibilities of technology.
These influences played a significant role in shaping his vision for Apple Computer, where he and Steve Jobs aimed to democratize technology and make personal computers accessible to the masses.
Wozniak’s contributions to the tech industry have not only transformed how we interact with technology but also inspired countless innovators to pursue their dreams.
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Steve Wozniak Career
In 1971, Steve Wozniak designed the Blue Box, a device that allowed users to manipulate phone networks and make long-distance calls without paying for them—a practice known as phreaking.
This invention, combined with his friendship with Steve Jobs, a student he had met at his old high school, marked the beginning of Wozniak’s entrepreneurial journey.
They began selling Blue Boxes to fellow students, generating both interest and income.
During the early 1970s, Wozniak worked for several small electronics firms in the San Francisco Bay Area before securing a position at Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1975.
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By this time, he had made the pivotal decision to drop out of the University of California, Berkeley, to focus on his passion for technology.
Wozniak’s involvement with the Homebrew Computer Club, a gathering of tech enthusiasts focused on the Altair 8800 microcomputer kit, further catalyzed his interest in computing.
At HP, Wozniak designed a microcomputer in 1976 using the Intel 8080 microprocessor, but HP showed no interest in developing his design.
This setback did not deter him; instead, it fueled his collaboration with Jobs, who shared his enthusiasm for creating personal computers.
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Together, they founded Apple Computer, with initial funding coming from the sale of Jobs’s car and Wozniak’s programmable calculator.
Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to set up production in Jobs’s garage, where they began manufacturing microcomputer circuit boards.
The release of the Apple II in 1977 marked a significant turning point for both Wozniak and the personal computer industry.
This innovative model featured a built-in keyboard and support for a color monitor, blending Wozniak’s engineering expertise with Jobs’s flair for design.
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The Apple II was groundbreaking, appealing not just to hobbyists but also to a broader market. By 1980, Apple Computer went public, achieving a market valuation exceeding $1 billion, the fastest in corporate history at that time.
Wozniak’s share in the company transformed him into a multimillionaire almost overnight, solidifying his status as a key figure in the tech revolution.
Wozniak’s contributions to Apple continued as he designed critical hardware components, such as the 3.5-inch floppy disk drive for the Apple II, and played a role in developing the Apple operating system and various software applications.
However, his trajectory took a drastic turn in 1981 when he suffered a plane crash that resulted in temporary traumatic amnesia, impacting his ability to form new long-term memories.
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Following this incident, Wozniak took a sabbatical and returned to Berkeley, adopting the pseudonym “Rocky Clark” to complete the necessary computer science and electrical engineering courses for his degree.
Although he ultimately dropped out again, his work at Apple earned him credit, and he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1987.
Returning to Apple in 1982, Wozniak chose to remain distanced from management, preferring to focus on engineering and innovation.
He retired as an active employee in 1985, shortly after receiving a National Medal of Technology from President Ronald Reagan.
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Following his departure from Apple, Wozniak dedicated himself to philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, teaching computer enrichment classes to preteens.
In 2006, he published his autobiography, iWoz, detailing his journey from a computer geek to a cultural icon.
Even in semi-retirement, Wozniak remained engaged with the tech industry, funding various ventures and serving as an adviser for different companies.
In 2009, he became the chief scientist at Fusion-io, a company specializing in high-capacity solid-state storage devices.
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After Fusion-io was sold to SanDisk in 2014, he transitioned to become the chief scientist at Primary Data, which focused on data virtualization until its closure in 2018.
Wozniak’s latest venture is Efforce, co-founded in 2020, which allows companies to invest in energy efficiency projects through a cryptocurrency token utilizing blockchain technology.
Through these endeavors, Wozniak has continued to influence the tech landscape, demonstrating his commitment to innovation and sustainability.
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Steve Wozniak’s Wife and Children
Steve Wozniak has navigated the complexities of personal relationships throughout his life, having been married four times.
His current marriage to Janet Hill, which began in 2008, reflects a more settled chapter in his life.
Wozniak’s previous marriages have resulted in three children, showcasing his role as a father alongside his career in technology.
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Balancing his professional commitments with family responsibilities, Wozniak has maintained a focus on both his personal and familial life.
His experiences in marriage and parenthood have undoubtedly influenced his perspective on education and philanthropy, as he has been actively involved in initiatives that promote learning and development, particularly for children.
Through these relationships, Wozniak demonstrates a commitment to nurturing not only technological innovation but also the growth and well-being of future generations.
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Steve Wozniak Now
At 74 years old, Steve Wozniak, affectionately known as “Woz,” remains a prominent figure in the technology sector.
As an American technology entrepreneur, electrical engineer, computer programmer, philanthropist, and inventor, Wozniak’s contributions to the computing industry have left an indelible mark.
He co-founded Apple Computer in 1976 alongside Steve Jobs, transforming the way people interact with technology.
Their collaboration led to the development of groundbreaking products, including the Apple I and Apple II, which played a crucial role in making personal computing accessible to the masses.
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Wozniak’s engineering prowess and innovative spirit were pivotal in establishing Apple as a household name and a leader in the tech industry.
In recent years, Wozniak has continued to explore new frontiers in technology.
He co-founded Efforce, a pioneering company that leverages blockchain technology to help organizations reduce energy consumption.
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By utilizing non-fungible tokens (NFTs), Efforce enables businesses to invest in energy-efficient projects, promoting sustainability and encouraging eco-friendly practices.
This venture reflects Wozniak’s ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, demonstrating his belief in the potential of technology to address pressing global challenges.
Through Efforce and his other philanthropic efforts, Wozniak continues to inspire future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of creativity and responsibility in the tech landscape.
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Steve Wozniak’s Net Worth
Steve Wozniak, an esteemed American computer engineer and co-founder of Apple, boasts a net worth of $10 million, reflecting his significant contributions to the technology industry and his successful ventures throughout his career.
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FAQs
No, Steve Wozniak is not a billionaire; his net worth is estimated at $10 million.
No, Wozniak is not the CEO of Apple; he co-founded the company with Steve Jobs but has not held an executive position since his departure in 1985.
Wozniak’s ownership stake in Apple has significantly decreased over the years, and he reportedly owns a small amount of Apple stock.
Wozniak does not receive a salary or regular income from Apple, but he may still benefit from any remaining shares he holds.
Currently, Wozniak is involved in various projects, including philanthropic endeavors and tech ventures like Efforce, which focuses on energy efficiency using blockchain technology.
While Wozniak is not actively working at Apple, he is not fully retired; he remains engaged in the tech industry and various initiatives.